Showing up for the planet
Apr. 21—HERMITAGE — The Gassners built a bird box during the Earth Day festival Saturday in LindenPointe, Hermitage.
"We just try to do our part and help the environment," said. Adam Gassner, Hermitage.
Gassner brought out his family to the celebration — wife Abby and sons Jaxson, 8, and Wyatt, 10 months — and they were having fun browsing around the different vendors.
The festival was organized as a collaboration between the city of Hermitage and the Shenango River Watchers.
Hannah Rowe, 9, of Sharon, was painting a purple heart on a paper bag. She learned that part of the Earth Day festivities is to pick up trash in her community.
In fact, kicking off the event was a cleanup organized by the Shenango River Watchers. Volunteers gathered at 9 a.m. in Wheatland to focus on an area along the railroad tracks.
Other activities included a birds-of-prey presentation, "Wings of Wonder," courtesy of the Tamarack Wildlife Center and a community paper shredding event, free to all Mercer County residents. There was also live entertainment.
The Gassners were all smiles Saturday.
"We're out here having fun, just walking around checking out the vendors," Adam Gassner said.
Follow Melissa Klaric on twitter @HeraldKlaric or email her at mklaric@sharonherald.com